Fox

Key information

The fox has reddish-brown fur, a white chest and a bushy, white-tipped tail, called a brush. Its nose and ears are pointed. Foxes are widespread and quite common throughout Britain, and a surprising number live in towns.

They are active at dusk and during the night, searching alone for food. However, they tend to live in family groups of one dog, one vixen and her cubs and a few female helpers from previous litters.

The family has several lairs and one or more breeding dens, or earths, within their territory. Females give birth to four to seven cubs between March and May.

You may be lucky enough to see a fox, but they are shy creatures. Instead, look for evidence of their presence, such as tracks and droppings.

What they eat:

They are scavengers and eat almost anything they can find, including insects, earthworms, fruit, berries, birds, small mammals, carrion and scraps left by humans.

Measurements:

Length:

Head to body about 65cm, tail about 50cm, stands 40cm high

Weight:

Up to 10kg

Identifying features:

Natural habitats:
HedgeMeadow areaShedWoodland area

Where and when to see them

Throughout the garden searching for food. Look for tracks, droppings, overturned bins and chewed remains, which show a fox has paid you a visit. Foxes mark their territories with greyish droppings in prominent places.